SSR Performance could also be combating for the DTM title this 12 months with Mirko Bortolotti, however the way forward for the factory-supported Lamborghini group hangs within the stability.
There are quite a few rumours concerning the Munich-Freimann-based squad linking it with a possible withdrawal from the DTM.
A number of key employers have already left for different groups for the 2025 season, additional fuelling hypothesis about what it can do subsequent 12 months.
SSR has invested an enormous quantity of assets since becoming a member of the DTM in 2022 and presently runs a two-car effort with Bortolotti and Aston Martin driver Nicki Thiim.
However when enquired by Autosport’s sister title Motorsport-Whole.com, the squad didn’t wish to decide to staying within the DTM.
“We can not say for certain in the mean time,” a spokesperson for SSR mentioned. “We’re checking all the mandatory parameters to compete within the DTM once more.”
Nevertheless, SSR made it clear that if it does stay within the sequence, it could “100 per cent” be with Lamborghini and its manufacturing facility driver Bortolotti.
Race winner Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Efficiency
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Rival group Abt Sportsline is joining Lamborghini’s roster next year after ending a 25-year affiliation with Audi, however SSR has utterly dominated out a change to a different model within the wake of that improvement.
If Bortolotti finally ends up transferring to Abt, the group is not going to compete within the DTM subsequent 12 months.
Employees adjustments
SSR solely partially denied rumours about quite a few staff making use of to different groups and a number of other everlasting workers members being instructed which can be not wanted for 2025.
The outfit mentioned: “That’s not appropriate, we merely instructed our staff that there could also be adjustments for 2025 and that one or the opposite will even should take care of a buyer sport programme.
“Those that are solely thinking about manufacturing facility programmes have been due to this fact knowledgeable in July. We expect it’s truthful to maintain all doorways open for folks in good time.”
Whereas SSR’s declare could also be true, a well-established group would additionally not wish to lose its key staff and put itself on the danger of falling aside.
Different championships
It was additionally attention-grabbing to notice that SSR introduced plans to “broaden” its motorsport actions for 2025 final month.
Workforce proprietor Stefan Schlund mentioned “we’re searching for drivers who want to compete with us in varied sequence. We’re presently what choices exist and what’s most engaging for us and our prospects”.
Mirko Bortolotti, SSR Efficiency Lamborghini Huracán EVO GT3
Picture by: Alexander Trienitz
Increasing on these plans, group boss Mario Schuhbauer added: “The ADAC GT Masters may be very attention-grabbing for us as a part of the DTM platform.
“On the one hand, we have been already capable of win right here in 2020, and however, the modified idea may be very thrilling for us and our prospects.
“On the similar time, nonetheless, we’re in fact additionally trying round at worldwide motorsport. The goal is to supply our prospects the very best surroundings.”
It’s clear that SSR Efficiency is searching for a buyer racing programme with beginner or gentleman drivers. When requested for additional data, SSR Efficiency confirmed that its enlargement can be about “Am or Professional-Am missions”.
There are some indications that SSR’s operations will probably be extra industrial sooner or later, and even a departure from skilled motorsports will not be utterly out of the query.
This may occasionally sound stunning at first, as thus far it has competed nearly solely within the skilled sector – regardless that it has organised some trackdays for purchasers on the aspect.
But it surely’s understood that the DTM was all the time presupposed to be a three-year mission for SSR, so it is no shock that the group is different venues.
SSR entered the class in 2022 with Porsche earlier than switching to Lamborghini final 12 months with manufacturing facility assist from the Italian supercar maker. Thus, its three-year programme would come to an finish after 2024, offered no adjustments have been made within the interim.
A connection between SSR’s unique plan and the current adjustments at its squad can’t be dominated out.